Page 21 - The Complete Cat Breed Book (DK)

WHA T IS A C A T? 19

Tabby colors
The ancestral pattern consists of swirls, stripes,
or spots of solid fur—commonly black, brown,
red (ginger), or silver (gray)—mixed with paler
areas of ticked, or agouti, fur. It acts as natural
camouflage for a cat—a definite advantage when
hunting for food in the wild. The tabby pattern is a
dominant characteristic and its various forms are Spotted Ticked
still common not only in old breeds, such as the
Maine Coon, but also in newer wild-looking
hybrids, such as the Savannah. The Classic Tabby
has a blotched or swirling pattern; the Mackerel
Tabby has stripes, like a fishbone, running down
its sides; and the Spotted Tabby has spots or
rosettes. Tabbies have fine lines on their head
(usually an “M”-shaped mark on the forehead)
and barring on their tail and legs. Classic Mackerel

HOW TO USE THE BREED CATALOG

Catalog entries will help you choose which cat
38 C A T AL OG OF BREED S
is right for you. They outline the main features,
appearance, and temperament of each breed, and SINGAPURA
specify any relevant care tips. At-a-glance data panels THIS SMALLEST OF CAT BREEDS HAS A KITTENISH TEMPERAMENT
detail the origins, weight, and the breed registries that Place of origin Singapore The distinctive ticked coat of this little cat caught the eye
of an American scientist, Hal Meadow, while he was working
Date of origin 1970s
recognize the cat, along with the range of coat colors Breed registries CFA, GCCF, in Singapore in the 1970s. Meadow and his wife started a
TICA
Weight range 4–9lb (2–4kg) breeding program for the Singapura, which they carried out
and patterns and the required grooming regime. Grooming both in Singapore and the US. By the 1990s British breeders
were also taking an interest in this cat. Singapuras are now
known worldwide, although they are still very rare. Small
Colors and patterns in size but big in personality, these cats are prying and
Sepia agouti: seal brown
ticking on ivory mischievous, happiest when exploring
BREED REGISTRIES ground color. the world at a high level from a shelf
or an owner’s shoulder.
Dark facial
markings on
Abbreviations indicate which of the world’s cheekbones
four major breed registries recognize this Large, deeply
Long, strongly cupped ears
particular type of cat. muscled legs Sepia agouti coat
paler on chin, chest,
and underbelly
CFA The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc.
FIFe Fédération Internationale Féline almond-shaped green
Enormous
eyes, set wide apart
GCCF The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy
Each hair of its fine,
silky coat has
TICA The International Cat Association alternate light and
dark banding
GROOMING KEY
Medium-long,
The comb symbol and blue bar indicate how slender tail
has dark
seal-brown tip
frequently you will need to groom this breed of Firm, muscular body
cat in order to maintain its coat in top condition.
Darker
barring on
inner forelegs
Weekly and hind legs
2—3 times a week
Daily